Our time at the monastery in Vologda. We couldnt take any pictures inside, but we got some group pictures outside.

For more pictures: photos.yahoo.com/lindsayestewart

So many things are blog worthy...I just don't have enough time to write it all...and you don't have enough time to read it all. Trust me. This is a little bit of what's gone on in the last few days.Friday night Brighid and I went to a concert of our friend Vera. We were anticipating a small venue where she and her father would play their repertoire and we assumed it would last a half hour or hour at most. Yet, it was a concert of different performers from Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Vologda, in a very large venue...and it lasted....a long time. It was actually a really good cultural experience and we got to listen to different singers and musical artists. One really funny part to B and I was that the only people who were cheered back on stage by the audience happened to be the accordion players. People loved them. Other performers could come and go with little clapping, but once the accordion players came on...they never wanted them to leave. My image of the accordion is Steve Urkel...the nerdy goofy guy from Family Matters.

This weekend Brig and I also did our laundry for the first time in over three weeks. It was about time...but since we have to do it by hand, we put it off as long as possible. It took about 2.5 days for things to be washed in shifts, hung, and air dry on hangers all around my room. But now, everything is clean...especially the basin in my shower where I did it all.

Church yesterday was amazing. I put some pictures up of the little church on my photo site. We arrived with Stasey and met Tolik there (his second week in a row!) Our pastor's son translates the sermon for us in English by sitting behind us and "whispering" the interpretation. But the rest of the service and all of the songs are done in Russian. I really enjoy worshipping there, despite any language barrier. We have been so welcomed at feel right at home. After service we stayed to have some chai, and hung out with the five girls who were in Sunday school. These girls are around 12 years old and all but one were new this week. One girl, Alona, brought all of her friends along. One of Alona's friends was from the orphanage in the town. It was so nice to meet them, and they were so excited to meet us. We made houses out of construction paper and boxes for their stuffed animals. Every thing we picked up we would exchange Russian and English words. Like...pink, frog, cat, scissors, paper. Then they asked if I would write some English words for them to practice speaking. Some of the girls are studying English already. I just wish I knew Russian already so I could talk with them more....but our smiles and laughter were enough for now. They have to be enough.

After church I met with Asya...the girl I told you about from my class who offered to be my tutor. She is so amazing...and her major is cultural studies. She definitely has a passion for culture in its many forms. We talked about her interests of literature, art, and Russian history. She showed me all around Vologda and told me so much of its history. Who knew that Ivan the Terrible was going to make Vologda the capital of Russia, until he entered one of the churches here and a brick fell on his head....and he said Vologda would NEVER be the capital after that episode. We also had our first lesson on some Russian vocabulary...and she picked out two books for me to read by Russian authors. The first being Crime and Punishment...heavy, but doable. Plus, she loves it, and we can talk about it after I finish. We are meeting on Tuesdays and Saturdays...so I better get to that studying of Russian.

I am happy and healthy and loving this life. I am praying for God to work in and through me everyday... and I know he\'s working it all out. For you and me.

Another day of beautiful 60 degree weather here in Vologda and great classes at VSTU. One new thing that happened today was that I actually had to 'lay down the law' in class. I was just saying yesterday that my classes are so good...and they are all so polite to each other, and I must not have knocked on wood...because the students in my night class couldnt seem to stop talking while their classmates were giving presentations. At first I just gave them the stare and shhh. When that didnt seem to be doing much, I stopped the whole class and gave them a lecture on how impolite and rude talking was, and how they are all adults and need to act that way, and how I felt frustrated and like their mother and should not have to tell people to stop talking. They havent seen me stern yet, so that definitely got their attention and quieted them down. I hope that scared them so that I can go back to smiling...

In other news, tonight was Brighid and my first guitar lesson from Vera. But as you may remember from previous blog entries...everything in Russia takes longer. Just keep that in mind for the coming story.

So at 8 o'clock, right after class, Brighid and Vera and I headed to Vera's home for our guitar lesson. However, Vera wanted to have us try her favorite Finnish coffee, and since we were going to have coffee she told us we must go buy some little snack to go with the it. Naturally. So we ended up walking about a mile or so to several different stores because Vera kept getting different ideas of different Russian snacks for us to try. So we picked up some famous Vologda icecream, some crepe cherry apricot type thing, some dried pineapple and mango slices, and some other Russian chocolate cheese thing. Small snack I was thinking to myself....

Anyway we finally reached her flat where she lives with her parents. As soon as I walked in the door, I missed my home... this was the first time I had been in a real home in quite some time, and there is just something special about a home no matter where you are. We took off our shoes, enjoyed the aroma coming from the kitchen, and were introduced to her parents who do not speak any English. In their living area were several, I want to say around six, guitars haning up around the room. Before the lesson began Vera and her father played a couple of songs for us on their guitars. Tomorrow the two of them have a concert in town, so we got a preview....and it was amazing. The way the two of them played off each other was beautiful. The music was moving, but their relationship that I saw...was even more so.

By now it was a quarter after nine, and Vera invited us into the kitchen for some coffee and snacks. She is such a wonderful hostess....she first gave us some egg plant (which was the aroma we smelled when we first entered the house), then ice cream, then the crepes, (at this point as Vera is cooking, Brighid and I were mouthing to each other how we are so stuffed we can't take another bite), then the pineapple and mango slices, and a chocolate cheese thing was tossed in there, and then the coffee (which was really the thing she wanted us to have in the first place). I am so thankful I had only had breakfast...because I wanted to be polite and eat everything in front of me that she was working so hard to give. But it took every ounce of will to stuff the stuff in my mouth with a smile. Anyway...it was getting closer and closer to 10..(are we gonna get to the lesson I kept thinking)...and Brighid and my dorm closes at 11. So we needed to leave by 10:20, for fear of being locked out. So we chatted, and talked, and then Vera said we should just do the lesson tomorrow.

Great plan. I told you things take longer here. Then Brighid and I said our goodbyes, and literally ran (I in heels) the half mile to the bus stop with our heavy bags. We just made the last bus that would get us to the dorm on time, talk about a close call. So, full stomach, crazy running, rocky bus ride....not a good combination.

And although I feel slightly ill...it was really worth it. All in all, it was a fabulous day. No guitar lesson, but there's always tomorrow, or Friday, or Saturday.... I am actaully starting to like that schedules and plans don't mean as much here. It is nice to just see where the day takes you....

I get to hold hands as much as I want.

Now, let me explain that to you. In Vologda, and I am guessing Russia in general, best girl friends hold hands with each other all of the time. So, since I have become close with a number of girls~we get to hold hands. I've made the cut! I am their friend. At first it was a little uncomfortable to be doing so, because in America...we girls don't do that as much (or ever). But here, it is more than acceptable. It's expected.

I thought I would be missing all the physical affection from home...but its not the case. It is just a different form. Instead of hugs, we hold hands here. I love it. And I love my new friends.

Today after class, Nastya, asked if I wanted her to tutor me in Russian. She also asked if I wanted to go horse back riding with her at the stable where she keeps her horse. Another friend...and a new tutor. Perfect. Brighid and I ended our day with coffee and a great conversation about life and traveling and relationships with Vera...my student and new guitar teacher.

Another wonderful day in Vologda. I am so thankful.

Bridges of Vologda/ Tolik, Romon, Brighid, and Stasey on turtle day...the day Brighid got her pet:)

I woke up this morning thinking about how wonderful God truly is. He doesn't need to provide for me, or bless me in tangible ways and yet does constantly. I know I am being used here and although I cannot see the big picture, I can certainly see him moving. I am learning to trust and depend so much more than I have before. I believe with all of my heart, a lot of that has to do with you. Your thoughts, and prayers, and love are carrying me through. I know I have said it in previous blogs, but thank you again for remaining with me and encouraging me and supporting me. I cannot do this on my own. I like how close this technology makes us. I do think about each one of you...family, friends, church.

The days fly by here, but we are making and building relationships everyday. Yesterday Brighid and I spent most of the day with one of our students Vera. Today I plan to spend the majority of my day lesson planning for the up-coming week. Then tonight we're meeting another student to go to Klootch...the place I wrote about before.

So, I'm trying to keep you posted on my life, the lives of the people here, fun stories, and my feelings....I hope you are getting a taste of life here. (If this isnt good enough, you could always visit me!)

Story Time…..6 stories all told in seven sentences or less

Ice Cream Story: When you come to Russia next time…remember to eat ice cream on the coldest day possible. Because that’s what the Russians do. When in Russia.

Banana Story: I got a banana from a Babushka at church. She didn’t speak any English and I don’t really know Russian all that well. But she asked me if I wanted a banana. After I told her for the third time that I don’t speak Russian…she understood and just opened up her purse and offered me a banana. I like bananas, and I didn’t want to reject her gift, so I took the banana, smiled and said thank you in Russian. We stood there with very little to say…me just holding my new soft brown banana…and she holding her bag with one less banana...

Almost dying Story: It happens everyday when I cross the street. Everyday, every street.

Email Story: So there’s this boy. I was ‘warned’ about him by my school administrator. She told me that he might flirt with me and just to ‘watch out’ for that. So of course I was on look out. (whatever that means….) I guess I was assuming that this flirting would happen in person…but I just got an email from him. He said he wants to be my pan-pal. How sweet…more like…how hilarious!

Drunk man Story: So the worst thing you can say to a drunk man is that you don’t speak Russian. Because then they ask what you speak and you say English and then they just want to keep talking to you. If only I knew that key factor before I used my famous line, “ya ne gavaro pa rooskie.” I even followed the lead of my Russian friend and just ignored him….but he only got louder and closer. We got on the bus, and luckily he got kicked off. Welp, now I know.

Public Urination Story: It’s not a big deal here. Enough said.

and for all of you who have been asking me about more pictures...they are on their way.

The first week of classes….

I must start off by saying that this has been a wonderful week. I began teaching this past Monday which was Labor Day in America. Before my first class I was feeling quite nervous, but I needn’t have been. Class went smoothly and it was actually really exciting to be standing up in front of my students. After the night class, Brighid and I were asked out to coffee by a couple of our students. We were thrilled that they would feel comfortable enough to invite their teachers out on the first day of class, so of course we accompanied them. On the bus ride to Klootch, the coffee place/billiard hall/bowling alley/night club, one of my students Elena asked me, “Ms. Stewart, is it okay for me to call you Lindsay?” I laughed, despite myself, and said, “of course. I am only Ms. Stewart in class.” I don’t think that I will be getting used to being called that for some time, if ever. Our coffee date was fun even if we didn’t and couldn’t understand each other all of the time. The girls were great and we will definitely be going out together again. My other students have been amazing as well. And as much as I know I shouldn’t have favorites, I already do. I just can’t help it that I love getting feedback from students. When they nod and smile and seem to be getting into what I am saying….I just like them more. Shoot.

My class schedule looks different every other week. Each class has between 12-20 students. And even though Russian last names are impossible for me to say, I have already memorized all of my students’ first names….its kind of easy when in one class I have five Nastias. Monday and Wednesday I have class from 930-11, and 6-8. Tuesday I have class from 3-430, and English Club from 6-8. Then Thursday I have class from 3-430 and 6-8. My morning and afternoon classes switch days next week and then will go back to this schedule the following week. You may wonder what I do with all the hours of my week that I am not teaching. Please don’t worry that I have too much time on my hands. Because when I am not in class, I am lesson planning (which is a ton of work!), meeting with students, reading, taking a walk around this beautiful town, emailing you, spending time with God, and soon enough I will have a membership at a gym and be there too. Once I get the hang of my schedule in the next few weeks, I will start looking into the orphanage and begin volunteering there as well.

There is one orphanage very close in proximity to the Russian Methodist church that I went to this past Sunday. Brighid and I had quite the experience at church but I will save those stories for another blog entry.

I tried writing this blog entry earlier today but I lost it twice because I forgot to save it…and long story short, I gave up and went for a walk, which is actually much more fun than sitting in the library. I have been walking around as much as possible because I want to soak in these last few days of warmth. I know that the bitter cold is coming….I know that soon the flowers will be gone, and the trees will be white instead of green, and the days will be short. Vologda is such a beautiful town with wonderful architecture, beautiful churches, large park areas, and a gorgeous river flowing through the middle of the city. I know it will be beautiful in the winter too, but I feel lucky that I get to see it in its summer glory.

new friends

Today Brighid and I went to the American Corner at the library in Vologda. They have an English club that several people come to every week. The woman in the picture with Brighid is Yelena. She is in charge of the Corner. These three other people are Sergey, Vera, and Anna. Everyone has been so welcoming, and I really enjoyed getting to know them today. Vera said that she wants to teach me how to play the guitar. I haven't played in years, but I would love to learn from Vera. I also made a coffee date with another girl who was at the Club today.

It's so exciting to see these relationships starting to develop. I feel so blessed to be in this city and be meeting these people. One other quick story, is that this evening I was making dinner and needed to open this jar. However, they are not the screw off cans that I am used to. So I went downstairs in hopes that my hand gestures and the jar itself would explain what I needed. I expected to see my Babushka, but it was some younger kids. Luckily one of the guys spoke some English. After he watched me unsuccessfully ask for help from the girl sitting behind the desk, he came over and showed me how the Russians open the jars. (His words not mine). He pulled out his jack knife, and cut the whole thing up. Thanks Sasha. He then invited me out with some of his friends. So of course I went out with them for a while and they showed me how to play a Russian card game. His friends didn't know much English, but I could still say somethings to them. They live in my building and take classes at the school where I will be teaching.

I know that this has nothing to do with where I am, but it has so much to do with where I have been. Today is the first Michigan Home game, at 3:30 against Northern Illinois. This is my first year that I haven't been at school and tailgaiting with friends.


I don't think the Vologda has a football team, and although I will be very supportive of my students activities.... I will never have the same connection as I do with U of M.

GO BLUE!

We finished testing students today...and classes start Monday morning. Yeah VSTU. Just not the same ring.....

(This blog goes out to all my Michigan friends and Michigan sister...miss you guys!)

The closest I have ever been to an explosion was yesterday. In my room. My light switch is a little stubborn and thus sometimes I must flip it on and off repeatedly. Yesterday in the midst of my flipping, a little spark shot through (but I kept flipping), and then what seemed to be fire and a huge puff of smoke came right at my face. So, now I am without light in my room. But it is okay....I asked Diana at school about it and she said she would send someone over in the "morning". I knew I wouldn't get a specific time and I didn't...so I am up early 'waiting' for the guy who may or may not come in the next 4 hours or so.

Brighid and I met some more Russians yesterday. We are making a laundry list of names, and trying to keep them straight. One guy came to our office, because he wanted to talk with the American teachers. He spoke English very well and told us of his times in the States, and how he spent 42 days in jail in Jefferson City MO, for an expired VISA. (Who stays in Jefferson City? My cousin lived there for a few months, but only because of a job.) We met four other people at the American Corner in the library. Thursday evenings at five, there is always a movie playing in English with Russian subtitles. Last night it was As Good As It Gets. We chatted afterward and answered questions about the movie and about ourselves. Most of the questions were the usual sort, but as we were standing up to go...this one gentleman asked if he could ask me a political question. (We are told prior to coming to Russia not to voice any political opinion whatsoever.) He asked what I thought of previous leaders (one in particular) in the Middle East. To which I replied, I don't really know much about that. Although I really do know about that, and I could say some things on the subject. But I am afraid that conversation would have been a worse 'explosion' than the one in my room earlier that day.